Adam Smith: The Wealth of Nations: An Introduction [Hardcover]

This textbook provides an accessible introduction to Adam Smith, one of the most important economic thinkers. His seminal work The Wealth of Nations is a classic text in philosophy, social sciences and economics. This introduction puts Smith’s central ideas on the division of labour, the invisible hand and the market into context. A careful analysis of key passages from Smith’s writings explains how he arrived at a theory of society and the market that has become central to our understanding of human motives. The discussion of Smith’s The Wealth of Nations is followed by sources from the 18th century that shaped Smith’s analysis of human motives and propensities. This introduction is indispensable reading for an informed discussion of the mechanisms that govern human society. It provides an introduction to Adam Smith as one of the most astute thinkers of the 18th century, whose ideas shape modern concepts of the market, making it ideal as course material in courses such as economics, history, political sciences, sociology, literary studies, philosophy.

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Time and Work.- Chapter 3. The Division of Labour.- Chapter 4. Disposition to Truck and Barter.- Chapter 5. Self-Interest and Natural Freedom.- Chapter 6. The Invisible Hand.- Chapter 7. From Worker to Women.- Chapter 8. Parsimony, Wealth, Luxury.- Chapter 9. Parsimony, Wealth, Luxury.- Chapter 10. Conclusion.

Thomas Rommel is the former Rector and Provost of Bard College Berlin, A Liberal Arts University, and served as Director of Programs at the American Academy in Berlin. He received his doctorate and Habilitation in Literary Studies at the University of Tübingen and was Professor of Literature at Jacobs University Bremen. His research interests include 18lÃ$